Derrick L. Thompson is a dynamic force in choral music, seamlessly merging his roles as an educator, conductor, and performer to inspire singers and audiences around the world. Whether captivating concert halls with his commanding baritone voice or leading ensembles to artistic heights, Dr. Thompson has established himself as a leader whose influence transcends borders.
A native of Madison Heights, Virginia, Dr. Thompson’s extensive academic achievements reflect his dedication to excellence in music education and performance. His journey is adorned with an impressive array of degrees, including a Bachelor of Arts in music with a specialization in vocal music education from Lynchburg College (2008), a Master of Arts in music from Morgan State University (2010), a Master of Music in choral conducting from Messiah University (2021), a Master of Education in Music and Music Education (2018), and a Doctor of Education in the College Teaching of Music and Music Education from Teachers College, Columbia University (2019).
Dr. Thompson’s illustrious performing career began in 2007 with a stunning debut as the Duke in Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette with Opera on the James. Since then, his commanding baritone voice has echoed through concert halls worldwide, drawing praise from audiences and critics alike. The Southside Messenger described his performances as so captivating that “the angels themselves [stop] to listen.” His repertoire spans both sacred and operatic works, with standout performances as a bass soloist in Faure’s Requiem, Rutter’s Mass of the Children, and Handel’s Messiah. On the operatic stage, his versatility shines in roles like Ben in Menotti’s The Telephone, Prince Torado in Dunbar’s Dream Lovers, and King Balthazar in Amahl and the Night Visitors. He reached a significant milestone in Maryland, performing as the baritone soloist in the world premiere of the oratorio The Chartered Course, celebrating the 300th Anniversary of the City of Annapolis.
His international influence took shape during the 2010-2011 season in China, where Dr. Thompson served as the artistic director and conductor of the Tianjin Concert Hall’s Mulan Children’s Choir. Through his vibrant leadership, he transformed the choir into a celebrated ensemble, leaving a lasting impact on the Tianjin community. As a soloist, his work with the International Festival Chorus and Peking Sinfonietta in performances of Handel’s Messiah and Bach’s St. John Passion earned widespread acclaim. Dr. Thompson’s dedication to mentorship was equally evident, as two of his private voice students achieved top honors in the Hong Kong Young Artist Competition.
Dr. Thompson is equally renowned as a conductor and clinician, sought after for district, county, and all-state choral performances. His expertise has led to engagements with esteemed ensembles such as the Reading Pops Orchestra and Reading Choral Society. In December 2024, he made his Carnegie Hall debut as a guest conductor at the United Nations Annual Gala, leading the Teachers College, Columbia University Choir and Boston Academy Strings Teacher Ensemble Orchestra. His ability to elicit exceptional artistry from singers is widely recognized; the Jazz History Online Journal praised his work, noting, “The chorus was expertly rehearsed by Derrick Thompson, and they made the most out of Ellington’s witty lyrics and genre-stretching music.”
A dedicated scholar, Dr. Thompson’s research aligns with his commitment to advancing choral and vocal pedagogy. His work focuses on the development of young singing voices, effective communication in choral rehearsals, and innovative teaching methodologies for choral and applied voice settings. In 2025, his first book chapter, Connecting the Ensemble Experience with Vocal Development, will appear in Dr. Jeanne Goff-Flynn’s book, Student-Centered Voice Pedagogy: Working with Students Toward Developing Artistry, Authenticity, and Autonomy. His research has also been published in ChorTeach: Practical Teaching Ideas for Today’s Music Educator, VMEANotes: The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association, and PMEA News: The Official Publication of the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association. Through publications and conference presentations, Dr. Thompson continues to contribute to critical discussions in music education.
With over eight years of teaching experience in Virginia’s public schools, Dr. Thompson has nurtured countless young musicians, teaching elementary general music and conducting middle and high school choirs. His academic contributions include adjunct positions at Lynchburg College, Messiah University, and Teachers College, Columbia University. As the former Music Program Director and Director of Choral Activities at Delaware State University, Director of Choral Activities at Albright College, and now as Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choral Studies at Kutztown University, Dr. Thompson continues to shape the next generation of musicians. He also serves as the Student Activities Chair for the American Choral Directors Association of Pennsylvania and Interim Music Director at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.